In another small-scale, contained survivalist psychological thriller along the lines of A Quiet Place, Birdbox and Elevation, and with more than a hint of M. Night Shyamalan, a mother (Halle Berry) tries to protect her young twin sons in an isolated cabin from a global threat, the Evil; here the USP is needing to stay connected literally by ropes when venturing outside, in order to not let the Evil 'touch' you. When one of the boys worryingly starts to question the whole set-up, including the validity of the mother's beliefs, it leads to game-changing consequences for the final act. This dramatic role suits Halle Berry's skillset well and she delivers effectively, with both boys giving creditable performances, and sound design is particularly good. Alexandre Aja delivers with the usual interesting eye, with the perpetual presence of the threat in the woods and religious symbolism used to good effect. The central metaphor for maternal bonds and children's developing independence is unsubtle but developed effectively, but for all its positives, the film does feel like something of a dull plod overall.
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